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Regular reading can boost a person’s lifespan

Research conducted at Yale University found that those who read books lived longer.

Those who read books for more than 3.5 hours a week lived longer than those who didn’t read on a regular basis or didn’t at all. Those who read less were highly likely to have shorter life spans.

Other factors - such as race, gender, class, level of education and wealth - also played a significant part in determining life expectancy. Even so, the research suggested that reading books for long periods of time could provide health benefits among elderly people. Also, books were more likely to be beneficial than magazines and newspapers.

Those who spent more time reading books were more likely to live longer because reading exercises the brain. The research concluded that any cognitive activity - such as reading - slowed down the process of cognitive decline, which is common in elderly people.

Reading books regularly is like mental training for the brain, and it is a great way to strengthen your mental health, along with other mentally challenging activities like playing chess, writing journals and completing puzzles such as word-searches, Sudoku and crosswords.

Also, keeping the mind active is important for reducing the likelihood - and slowing down the process - of mental and neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, so getting involved in groups societies such as books clubs can significantly help.

Yet, being physically fit is just as important as having mental strength. Staying physically fit reduces the likelihood of becoming ill with certain diseases later on in life such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Staying physically fit also means you are more likely to live longer.

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